December 3, 2003
NEW YORK (AP) -- Referee Tom White was fined $2,600 for failing to restart the clock at the end of the Seattle-Baltimore game, a mistake that contributed to the Seahawks' 44-41 overtime loss.
The fine represented half of White's game check, supervisor of officials Mike Pereira said Wednesday.
The entire crew was reprimanded for its performance during the Nov. 23 game, presumably hurting its chances to officiate in the playoffs. Crews are assigned to the postseason based on their regular-season ratings.
``It tells me everyone is accountable,'' Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Wednesday. ``Players are accountable, coaches are accountable and officials are accountable. Having said that, I'd just as soon give them the money back and get that call.''
The play in question occurred with 58 seconds left and Seattle ahead 41-38. The Seahawks' Shaun Alexander gained 3 yards to the Baltimore 33, but head linesman Ed Camp threw a penalty flag because he thought offensive tackle Floyd Womack lined up as an ineligible receiver.
The Ravens called their final timeout but the clock was stopped anyway for the officials to discuss the penalty. They determined Womack was eligible, let the play stand and gave Baltimore back its final timeout.
The Ravens were ready to call timeout again, but White did not restart the clock. As a result, Baltimore saved its timeout until after the plays, saving 40 seconds that it used when it got the ball back to tie a game it eventually won in overtime.
``I don't think we have any cause to be pointing fingers anywhere else,'' Seahawks linebacker Chad Brown said at the time. ``Yeah, the officials blew the call. And we gave up 41 points.''
Updated on Wednesday, D
